Alexander, Kumiko and Akira walked for the rest of the day, led by Remus on a path that he had insisted would help keep them hidden. Akira had agreed on said path, given his own knowledge of the nd. It was rocky and took them through so much foliage, but it was safer. They all stayed vigint, as the enemy could show up at any moment.

  Alexander took a step towards Mira, taking note of her demeanor and the way her eyes wandered everywhere. “How are you holding up?”

  Mira shook her head. “You don’t need to worry too much about me.”

  Alexander scoffed. “Well, someone has to.”

  “It’s just…I can’t help but wonder if they will need me there, in the vilge.” Mira’s paw squeezed and rubbed her other arm. “I don’t know what I will do if I find out someone died because I wasn’t there.”

  Alexander sighed and shook his head. “Look, we went over this. You can’t be everywhere at once. We need you here, and even them back there need you here. Have faith in us.” He patted her on the shoulder. “Have faith in yourself.”

  Mira gnced at him, then giggled.

  Alexander raised an eyebrow. “See? That wasn’t so hard.”

  Mira shook her head. “It’s not that. It’s just that I remembered Bruno.”

  “Ah, that,” Alexander chuckled. “You know that boy has a thing for you, right? I’m sorry for that. Or…happy for you. Depends on how you look at it, I guess. But I’m leaning towards being sorry.”

  Mira giggled more.

  “We always thought they were some silly childhood dreams, but he’s an adult now,” Alexander continued. “I can convince him to leave you alone if you wish, but it won’t be easy.”

  “Should you, though?” Mira responded, averting her gaze. “I…don’t see what’s wrong with it. Right now, I wish I had acknowledged him more, considering now…we may…”

  “Hey,” Alexander held her shoulder and gave her a gentle shake. “We will get through this. Then you can rex and tell Bruno how you truly feel.”

  Mira smiled and nodded. “He’s so much like you, you know.”

  “Sometimes, I wonder if that’s a compliment or an insult.”

  Mira jabbed him on the arm.

  “So, old man,” Remus spoke, walking closer to Akira. “You carry the Royal Moon Sword. You’re royalty?”

  Akira eyed him from the corner of his eye. “That’s none of your business.”

  Remus smirked, raising his arms in the air. “Hey, I’m risking my life here, too. I believe I’m entitled to a little knowledge about the people I’m risking my life with. Wouldn’t you agree, Prince Charming?”

  Akira tightened his fist and growled.

  “Word of advice, kid,” Alexander said, rubbing his head. “Unless you want the Royal Moon Sword up your ass, I suggest you leave him be.”

  Remus snickered, still eyeing Akira. “I guess this means you’re not proud of it, eh? Gd to know we have something in common; hating our own kind.”

  Akira snarled, but maintained his composure, speaking in a low, calm voice. “Do not cim to understand me, boy. We are nothing alike.”

  “True. I’ve already admitted my hatred, while you are still in denial.”

  “But why?” Mira asked. “Why do you hate wolves?”

  Remus’ only response was a scoff.

  “We’re entitled to some answers from you, too, don’t you agree?”

  Remus gritted his teeth. “I hate everyone in general, but especially wolves. They brought me nothing but misery, all while ciming to be so high, mighty and honorable.”

  Mira nodded, meeting Remus’ gaze. “I’m sorry to hear that. What exactly happened? I can only imagine.”

  Remus held her gaze for a moment with wider eyes, then faced forward. “Maybe ter.”

  “But…I can’t help but find it incredibly sad,” Mira said, her ears falling ft. “Hating who you are because of others of your ‘own kind’...it’s unfair to yourself.” Her eyes darted between Remus and Akira.

  Akira was silent, not looking at either of them.

  A faint growl emanated from Remus. “Just…forget it.” Then, he looked at Kumiko. “And you, fox-wolf hybrid? You must’ve been shunned your whole life.”

  Everyone stopped in their tracks, looking between Remus and Kumiko.

  Remus’ gaze darted between them all. “What? Please don’t tell me none of you knew that.”

  Akira pced a paw on his chin and hummed. “I had a suspicion, but never confirmed it.” He faced Kumiko. “So, is it true?”

  Kumiko’s gaze went over the others, then pced both paws on her ears and stuck her tongue out. “I thought you guys knew!”

  Alexander rubbed his face and groaned, while Remus ughed out loud.

  “Well, it is true,” Kumiko added. “My mother was a fox and my father was a wolf. My family was treated…unkindly, to say the least.” She fell silent for a moment, her expression unchanging. “But that’s all in the past!” She waved her paw dismissively.

  “I don’t care that you’re a hybrid,” Akira said, drawing attention to himself. “You’re our ally. That’s all that matters.”

  Kumiko grinned, bringing her paws together on one cheek and leaning her head against them while standing on one leg. “Aren’t you just a sweetheart!”

  Akira groaned and rolled his eyes, then continued to walk.

  “Is this why you always wear a mask?” Alexander asked.

  Kumiko’s tongue darted out briefly. “Maybe.”

  They walked until it was nearly sunset, when they decided to stop and scout ahead. Alexander fetched his binocurs and climbed a tree, alongside Remus, to survey their surroundings. He finally found something in the far distance; two people that wore simir cloaks to Remus’.

  “Are those your friends?” Alexander asked, handing the binocurs to Remus.

  Remus snatched the binocurs, took a look through them and then handed them back. “They are.”

  Alexander nodded. “Alright, then. Time to move.” He descended from the tree, followed by Remus. “We found them,” he announced to the others.

  Akira gestured in his direction. “Go on, then. We got your back.”

  “Be careful,” Mira said, patting Alexander on the back.

  “Remember, big boy,” Kumiko said, pointing at Remus. “I’m watching.”

  Remus scoffed as he and Alexander walked away from the others.

  Once they were far enough, Alexander spoke while turning around. “So, how would you like–”

  Remus interrupted him with a punch to the face, knocking him to the ground.

  Alexander clutched his cheek and grunted. “Bastard,” he mumbled as he rose to his feet. “So it has come to this.” He rubbed his mouth, then readied his fists. “Bring it on, lizard boy!” No offense, Onyx. He swung his fists and missed, then extended spiked fur from them and sshed at Remus, managing to give him shallow cuts on his arms.

  Remus growled and charged again, dodging Alexander’s attacks then punching him in the side with a dragon’s fist.

  Alexander recoiled, struggling to catch his breath. It didn’t take long for him to hear the sound of the other two draconivores approaching. Before he could react, Remus was on him, pinning him to the ground face-down with his massive dragon cws.

  “Don’t move,” Remus hissed, his grip tightening on Alexander’s head and arm.

  The two draconivores, one human and one tiger, emerged from the forest. “Who the hell–Remus?!” The human excimed. “You’re alive?!”

  “No thanks to you!” Remus snapped. “I barely managed to escape with my life, and this idiot followed me.”

  “You won’t get away with this!” Alexander snarled.

  “Quiet!” Remus commanded, pushing Alexander harder into the ground. He then regarded the two draconivores. “He’s the dragon’s ‘father’. I know, not as exciting as the mother or brother, but he’s a Yeager, and we could still use him against the dragon.”

  “I don’t believe it’s your pce to decide any of that,” the tiger said, crossing his arms and gring at Remus.

  Remus gred back. “It’s not yours, either. We were ordered to get the dragon’s family, and now we have half of them. We’ll take him back to Malfred and he’ll decide. Now give me anti-magic cuffs.”

  The human scoffed. “You think we carry those things with us everywhere?”

  Remus gnced down at Alexander and smirked, saying, “Sorry, you heard them.” before striking him on the head.

  That…idiot must be enjoying this! Alexander thought. The strike hurt fiercely, and he wished he could make a noise or teach the draconivore a lesson, but for now he had to pretend to be unconscious. As he was carried by the tiger, he opened his eyes just a crack, trying to catch a glimpse of Akira, Kumiko and Mira. He noticed what he assumed was Kumiko among the trees as the draconivores carried him away.

  “I can’t help but notice your…enthusiasm for having me back,” Remus said, his words ced with venom.

  “Your tongue will get you in trouble,” the tiger responded.

  “You were dead for all we knew,” the human added.

  “Yeah, right,” Remus scoffed. “We underestimated those vilgers. There are strong people among them.”

  “Oh, don’t worry, we will deal with that soon,” the human said, followed by a chuckle.

  Alexander dreaded the meaning of those words. Were Bruno, Irina and the rest of the vilge in imminent danger? If the draconivores were sending someone they thought was strong enough to defeat Akira or Kumiko, they might stand no chance. No, I must focus on the task at hand! I must have faith in Bruno. Saving Maki as soon as possible and dealing with Malfred is the fastest way to help him.

  Soon, they arrived at a camp. A handful of tents y around, with one much bigger than the rest. The tiger set Alexander near the campfire, the wolf still pretending to be unconscious. He heard footsteps approaching, and immediately he sensed a change in the atmosphere around him. It was dreadful, sinister. Then he heard a gruff voice.

  “Remus. I thought I would never see your ugly face again.” The man spoke rather unenthusiastically.

  Alexander stole a gnce at him; he was a human of massive build, wearing a red coat with a generous amount of bck fur around the colr. Long bck hair and a tattoo resembling a fme on his left cheek. His stare was cold as ice. Is this Malfred? Alexander wondered.

  Remus bowed. “Master, I–”

  The man interrupted, grabbing Remus by the colr and lifting him off the ground. “How the hell did you let them capture you?!” He then tossed the wolf to the ground.

  Remus stayed down, panting. “B-But…they took us by surprise! They were stronger than anticipated! Even Anna lost her arm!”

  “Ah, yes, Anna,” Malfred rubbed his chin, a wicked smile slowly creeping into his face as he licked his lips. “She was…delicious.”

  Remus froze, eyes wide.

  “I doubt you taste nearly as good, so I’ll let you live. For now.” Malfred approached Alexander, to which the tter closed his eyes. “And this is?”

  There was a pause before Remus responded. “He’s…the dragon’s father. And a Yeager.”

  “Is that so?” Another pause. “Wake up.” He shook Alexander with his foot.

  Alexander didn’t respond, until the man smmed his foot into his stomach.

  “I said wake up!” Malfred commanded.

  Alexander coughed as he opened his eyes. “Can’t a wolf have an afternoon nap in peace?”

  Malfred smirked. “Ah, we have a jester at our hands.” He kicked him again. “Let me guess, you thought you could be a hero, barge in here and save your dear daughter?” He crouched. “I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you, but you would’ve been better off making a new one.”

  Alexander stared at him silently for long moments, then snickered, then ughed, shaking his head.

  Malfred arched an eyebrow. “Have you finally lost it? I didn’t kick you that hard.”

  Still chuckling, Alexander responded without facing him. “You are so dead.”

  Malfred scoffed. “Really now?”

  Alexander nodded, eyeing him out of the corner of his eye. “You have my word. You’re not leaving here alive. But I, being so civilized and merciful, will make you a deal; release my daughter now, and I’ll consider making your death quick and painless. Sounds good?” He fshed the man a wide smile.

  Malfered eyed him for a moment, before breaking out into ughter, standing up and looking left and right at his minions while pointing at Alexander. “I like this guy!” Then he kicked him in the face, knocking him the other way. “I think I’ll keep him. Bring the cuffs, please.”

  “There goes your deal,” Alexander said, as the tiger and human minions dragged him to be restrained. He noticed a handful of other darconivores around the camp, including two humans, a cheetah, and a hyena. Maki is in one of those tents, most likely in Malfred’s. Just wait, I’m coming for you. His gaze met Remus’, as if trying to take assurance that their pn was still in motion. He thought about shouting for Maki in order to locate her, but there was no telling how Malfred would react to such a stunt. For now, he had to trust that Remus would lead him to her. The goons tied him to a far tree nearly opposite of Malfred’s tent, which further enforced his belief that Maki was held there.

  Two draconivores, the hyena and a human, were set to watch over Alexander. As night fell, Remus approached the three of them, carrying three cups.

  “What’s up, pipsqueak?” The hyena asked.

  Remus snorted. “I thought you guys would like to celebrate my return with me.”

  The two watchmen ughed.

  “We missed you, but don’t let it go to your head,” the human said.

  Remus scoffed. “Fine, I guess I’ll drink all of this alone.”

  “Hold on, now,” the hyena said, standing in Remus’ way and reaching for one of the cups. “Don’t be so grumpy.”

  Alexander smirked. Idiots.

  The three had their drinks, and shortly after, the two watchmen were asleep. Remus made sure to prop them up against nearby trees, to give the illusion they were still standing guard.

  “This won’t st long, you know,” Remus whispered. “Someone is bound to notice they’re out.”

  “Be patient,” Alexander whispered back. “Give the signal to Akira so we can move.”

  Remus nodded. Turning to face the forest, he used a fist-sized mirror to reflect the moonlight, and repeated the process four times.

  “Come on, old man,” Alexander mumbled.

  Soon, Akira approached the camp slowly, Royal Moon Sword in paw. The draconivores were instantly on guard, including Malfred.

  “Calm down, calm down,” Akira called out, then pnted his sword in the ground. “I’m not here to fight.”

  “Then state your business before I kill you,” Malfred spoke calmly.

  Akira chuckled. “I am here to negotiate. I pose no threat.”

  “Bullshit!” One of the draconivores said, turning to face Malfred. “He’s stronger than he looks. That’s the Royal Moon Sword he has!”

  Akira chuckled again. “True, but I am an old wolf way past my prime. I stand no chance against all of you at once. The sword is only here to ensure that I would…go down fighting, if you choose to make me.”

  “Akira has their complete attention,” Alexander whispered. “Remus! Get on with it!”

  “Alright, alright!” Remus responded, crouching behind Alexander and tinkering with the cuffs until he pried them open.

  Alexander freed his paws and rubbed his wrists. He noticed that Remus was trembling, eyes darting left and right. “Calm down.”

  “Easy for you to say that!”

  Alexander motioned for him to keep his voice down. “Now go, lead me to Maki.”

  As the two wolves navigated their way around the camp and out of sight, part of Alexander’s attention was with Akira’s act.

  “You took two of my people,” Akira said. “I only wish to have them back.”

  Malfred scoffed. “And why would I do that?”

  “How about we settle things, only the two of us?” Akira stepped closer, paws raised and open. “You can take the Royal Moon Sword in exchange for the prisoners.”

  Malfred ughed. “You take me for a fool? I know the sword is useless if not wielded by royalty. Which means…you are more valuable than your sword.”

  Akira chuckled faintly and shook his head. “I assure you, my…’family’ values the sword more than my life. You would have no use of me.”

  “Here,” Remus said, pointing to a tent next to Malfred’s, slightly smaller. With some effort, the two of them managed to slip inside through the back of the tent.

  Nothing could prepare Alexander for the sight waiting for him inside. Maki was strapped to a pole, paws cuffed behind her back. She only had a tattered gown on her, and her body was littered with bruises and injuries. However, her fur was clean in contrast. It took Alexander all of his power not to raise his voice. He had to stay quiet, and even keep Maki quiet. Slowly, with tears pricking his eyes and fire burning in his chest, he touched her shoulder. When she looked at him, he motioned for her to stay silent.

  “It’s okay, I’m here now,” Alexander whispered.

  “Dad!” Maki bit her lip, trying to keep her voice down as she started sobbing.

  Alexander produced a bde out of his fur and began cutting into the cuffs, when he noticed that they were anti-magic. Why? Maki doesn’t have any…

  He then noticed it. That man, Malfred. Alexander had only caught it briefly from their previous encounter, but it was unmistakable; his scent was all over Maki. Alexander’s body trembled with rage, his fists tightening almost painfully, making the process of opening the cuffs harder. I will kill him! He repeated in his mind over and over again.

  “Hurry up!” Remus urged on, taking a peek out of the tent. “Wait, was she cuffed with anti-magic?”

  Alexander finally got it, freeing his daughter. He didn’t acknowledge Remus’ question.

  “No…no…” Maki mumbled, eyes on the tent’s entrance. It was open just a crack, making Malfred and his minions visible. “No! Get me out of here! Keep him away from me!”

  Alexander held her close, trying to calm her down. “It’s okay, Maki! You will be safe!”

  Outside, he could see that their cover was blown, but Akira quickly pulled his sword out of the ground and smmed it into Malfred, flinging him away.

  Maki held her head between her paws and screamed. Alexander immediately sensed that something was wrong.

  Maki had magic.

  Before he could react, he was blown away by an extremely powerful wind, along with Remus, the tent, and everything and everyone nearby. Maki became surrounded by a massive, raging tornado of her own making, wreaking havoc on everything around her.